“Northeastern Illinois University has paused the layoff process while we evaluate our fiscal health given this budget outcome. We will know more soon,” said NEIU spokesman Mike Hines.

NEIU last received a full appropriation from the state, which accounted for 40 percent of its budget, in fiscal year 2015. Stopgap funds released in July 2016 left the university with a $17 million shortfall, a hole NEIU plugged with a series of furloughs and other cost-saving measures, including draining the school’s reserves.

The layoffs, announced at the end of May, were expected to save $9 million and would have affected administrative and support staff positions.

“With the passage of the Illinois budget, Northeastern Illinois University can finally after more than two years refocus its efforts from survival to building and enhancing an exceptional environment for its students,” Richard Helldobler, interim president, said in a statement.

“Our university community, which includes more than 9,500 students, appreciates all those in Springfield who have worked in a bipartisan way and funded our future by supporting public higher education,” he said.